Telawi Street Bar, a recent addition to Bangsar. No relation whatsoever to the late, lamented Telawi Street Bistro.TSB provides a pleasant balcony perch overlooking the street, but though its cocktails are cheap, they're far (very, very far) from fabulous. It appears to open only in the evening.

Retro Club's name, ambiance & food all seem at odds with each other, but this Heritage Row newbie serves fair-enough Tex-Mex fare & well-executed cocktails.Deep-fried chimichanga, stuffed with lamb & served with Mexican rice & refried beans.Big eaters, rejoice: A platter of cheesy beef nachos that four can share costs scarcely RM20.Taco "salad," featuring chicken, cheese, salsa, green onions, tomatoes, lettuce, olives, jalapenos & sour cream in a flour tortilla shell.Might be madness, but Retro Club's Margarita is one of the best we've had this year. The house wine's not as good, but shots of Patron XO return the smile to our faces.

One of KL's most atmospheric restaurants, Old China Cafe oozes enough charm to bowl over multiple busloads of tourists curious to sample Nyonya favorites.Nevertheless, this destination deserves to draw Malaysians too; the food's decent, featuring plenty of pork to help it stand out somewhat.Pork pongteh (RM16). The essential meat-&-potatoes recipes; could be more aromatic, but still passably pleasurable, with a surprising home-cooked feel.Siew yok devil's curry (RM25), sufficient pork belly to feed four. Toned down slightly in spiciness.Sambal belacan, alongside rice beautifully colored with bunga telang. Hits the right notes.

Let's keep the lattes flowing: Also worth a visit, Bricks Coffee in Damansara Perdana.Bricks is a cozy-enough cafe; Damansara Perdana has long been a wasteland for coffee lovers, but this oasis of Colombia Supremo beans is no mirage.The latte's not too shabby (RM9); somewhere in the could-be-better, could-be-worse category. Try the affogato (RM12), with double-shot espresso & Forty Licks salted caramel ice cream.

The proof is in the pisco: Here's intoxicating evidence that South American flavors are becoming the toast of this town. Before we begin: Salud!First up, parking is certain to seem even scarcer soon at Medan Damansara, as hordes of customers will tango a trail here to El Sid's Cocktail Bar.Geoff Siddle's new venture, the Latin American cousin of Sid's Pubs, is breezy & easy-going, splashed with riotous colors that make this bar rather ravishing.The signs are clear: Expect to sip Ketangos, Margaritas, Batidas, Mojitos, Pinascas, Sangrias, Daiquiris, Cuba Libres & Caipirinhas. And snack on South American snacks.